The prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among female athletes in Hong Kong: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Physiological and psychological symptoms associated with PMS can pose notable challenges for female athletes, impacting not only their training routines and competitive success but also their overall quality of life. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of PMS among female athletes in HK. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Hong Kong Sports Institute Participants: A survey focused on the severity of PMS was conducted with a sample of 88 female athletes, mean age = 23.8 ± 5.28, from the Institute. Participants filled out a questionnaire covering their PMS using the Premenstrual Symptoms Scale (PMSS), their menstruation characteristics, body composition and demographic information. Results: 47.7% of female athletes in HK experience moderate to severe PMS, while the point prevalence of PMS stood at 17.0%, using a PMSS total score exceeding 50% of the maximum score were categorized as PMS-positive. The PMSS analysis revealed that fatigue (77.3%), abdominal cramps (65.9%), and abdominal bloating (60.2%) were common PMS reported by athletes who rated these issues as 3 or higher. Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple regression revealed a weak yet statistically significant positive association between age and the physical symptoms of PMS, as well as between body weight and the physical symptoms. Additionally, the psychological symptoms (Mean = 31.50 ± 10.48, p = 0.039) was found to be highest among individuals with a menstruation duration exceeding 35 days, compared to a menstruation cycle lasting 21–35 days (Mean = 25.32 ± 8.244) or fewer than 21 days (Mean = 23.00 ± 2.45). Conclusions: This study identified PMS as a significant concern among athletes. Addressing PMS requires considerable attention within healthcare services provided by the training institute to mitigate its impact on athletic performance. Level of Evidence: Level V, Descriptive Study.